Morning sunlight spilled into the room once again.
Huo Yuhao opened his eyes. He had slept dreamlessly through the night. Ever since entering Shrek, the quality of his sleep had been remarkably good—not because he felt at ease, but because the expenditure of mental power required a longer recovery period.
He rose and walked to the window, his gaze habitually sweeping toward Sea God Pavilion.
A new day.
A new game of chess.
"Xuelian!"
The familiar knock sounded right on time.
Huo Yuhao shook his head helplessly and turned to open the door.
The moment the door opened, Ma Xiaotao poked her head in, her eyes sparkling. "Come on, breakfast!"
Huo Yuhao nodded and followed her out.
The dining hall was as lively as ever.
Ma Xiaotao pulled Huo Yuhao to their usual seats and expertly called over one of the cafeteria aunties to get their food. The whispers around them still had not stopped, but they were far fewer than yesterday—the novelty had worn off, and everyone was beginning to get used to this newly arrived genius.
"Xuelian, are you going to the lakeside again this afternoon?" Ma Xiaotao asked as she ate, her eyes full of anticipation.
Huo Yuhao replied calmly, "Sure."
Ma Xiaotao immediately beamed. "Then it's settled!"
As the two ate, a figure passed by them and slowed slightly.
Huo Yuhao looked up. It was Dai Yueheng.
Dai Yueheng's gaze lingered on him for a moment. He gave a slight nod in greeting, then casually walked toward another table.
Ma Xiaotao curled her lip. "At least he knows better."
Huo Yuhao said nothing and continued eating breakfast.
That morning, Sea God Pavilion.
Huo Yuhao entered the quiet chamber, where Mu En was already waiting for him on the wooden couch.
"You're here?" Mu En